Conductive rubber refers to any rubberized material having conductive properties that lessen or eliminate the electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference that is mostly associated with electronics. While there are quite a few materials that can be considered as synthetic rubber, conductive silicone rubber which are metallized filled silicones are seeing swift uptake.

Some of their unique perceived benefits are high degree of flexibility, strong elasticity, and improved mechanical properties. They have stellar electrical and thermal conductivity as well and can easily beat the conventional metallic conductor in this area. Conductive silicone rubber can withstand harsh environment conditions and are resistant to corrosion. Further conductive silicone rubber also offer electromagnetic shielding effect alongside protection from electrostatic discharge in various electrical applications. The silicone rubber that is manufactured can be then be shaped into strips and sheets depending upon the requirement.

Below, we give you a succinct round up of the key trends of the market for conductive silicone rubber:

The surging electronic industry, majorly fuelled by the manufacturing and consumption boom in Asia Pacific, is one of the frontrunners in driving the market. The lighting and wire applications particularly have provided a major impetus to demand. Further, growing importance of anti-static packaging for dust control while electric charging is also positively impacting the market.

Increasing demand for fuel-efficient automobiles having lighter parts is generating demand for conductive silicone rubber, which find application in producing plastic and rubber modifiers in the interior parts. This is because they help to impart advanced anti-blocking and anti-wear properties.

Further, swift pace of infrastructure and industrial development in developing economies of China, India, Brazil, and others in North Africa, is also providing an impetus to the market. Supportive regulatory policies such as raising of FDI limits and free trade agreements between nations are working in favor of the market too.

Conductive silicone polymers is increasingly being used in producing seals, rings, gaskets, and coupling materials in oil and gas and packaging industries.

A few headwinds the conductive silicone rubber market has been contending with is the surging knowledge about the advantages of bio-based chemicals over the synthetic ones. In addition, increasing application of silicone in producing lubrication oil and greases is also predicted to affect the raw material availability. This in turn may drive up overall production costs.

North America is a dominant geographic segment in the market which has been generating impressive revenue. The region’s market has been mainly boosted the solid presence of the automobile industry, particularly in the U.S. and Mexico. Similarly, the market in Asia Pacific has been boosted the flourishing electronics industry in the region. Europe market, on the other hand, is being boosted by the healthcare sector keen on incorporating biocompatible medical devices such as medical sensors in various devices. The automobile industry too is positively impacting its market.